OC dell optiplex 760 e8400 3.0ghz

maksaba

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Aug 13, 2013
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since the bios of my PC (dell optiplex 760) is locked i cannot OC. however, if i change the processor to another LGA775 compatible processor, would it be possible to OC? I am not an expert on this, hence this question.
 
Solution
The problem is, I don't really think you can replace motherboard in this dell with a non-dell one.
Dell uses custom built mainboards that not necessarily follow the ATX standard. This means that everything from screw holes to case backplate for IO ports can be incompatible with any board you can buy. Hell, even placement of components like CPU or RAM, which is different on a new board and may interfere with other components like HDD, ODD and other weird stuff dell installs in their cases.

Secondly, replacing your motherboard with something newer will mean you have to buy a DDR3 memory too. This means a couple bucks more.

I chose a good CPU, with cheap, but nice microATX board, 4GB RAM and one of the cheapest cases I could find. Feel...

Bejusek

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No, you need to access the BIOS to OC. Additionaly, not all chipsets have overclocking features. Usually motherboards in Dells like yours don't allow OC. You can install faster CPU, but E8400 is already almost the top of the lienup :(
 

maksaba

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Thanks for the prompt response, Bejusek.
It means, i hv to change both motherboard as well as processor. I need for gaming, could you please advise good mobo and processor for games like crysis 3, BF3 etc.

Thanks once again.
 

schmuckley

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Jul 18, 2011
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No sir,If you change the motherboard you can.Good overclocking 775 motherboards are hard to find nowadays;and ebay, they want an arm and a leg for them.I just switched to AM3 platform because I want to do a little gaming.
TBH,even with a Yorkfield;AM3 has more power.
 

maksaba

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Budget - $300
PSU - Gigabyte 720W
Ram - 4gb (1gb x 4) DDR2
GPU - GTX 650
 

Bejusek

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The problem is, I don't really think you can replace motherboard in this dell with a non-dell one.
Dell uses custom built mainboards that not necessarily follow the ATX standard. This means that everything from screw holes to case backplate for IO ports can be incompatible with any board you can buy. Hell, even placement of components like CPU or RAM, which is different on a new board and may interfere with other components like HDD, ODD and other weird stuff dell installs in their cases.

Secondly, replacing your motherboard with something newer will mean you have to buy a DDR3 memory too. This means a couple bucks more.

I chose a good CPU, with cheap, but nice microATX board, 4GB RAM and one of the cheapest cases I could find. Feel free to change it to any that is more to your liking.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($177.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock B75 PRO3-M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($36.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Topower TP-6208BB ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $309.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-15 03:59 EDT-0400)

However, if you do some thorough research and decide that this MB will fit in your current case, you can get 8GB of RAM with this budget.

For the same money the alternative is to look for used i5-2500k, should cost about $180, together with a used Z68 board (gen3) for about $60. This would be a little faster than 3350p+b75 and you could OC it even more. However, you'd need a better cooler for that.
 
Solution

maksaba

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Aug 13, 2013
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Thanks alot Bejusek, your reply was really helpful.
 
I know this is an old thread but people still look at these and I have a new answer. Also the prices of the needed parts have come down.
The simplest way to O/C with a locked BIOS is Throttlestop software, and a core2Extreme cpu. This gives control of volts and multiplier. Dell heatpipe coolers D9729, and T9303 help produce better results. The heatpipes are arranged differently T9303 is better. but can be used interchangeably if holes in your cover are adjusted to fit. Most Dell MBs have 3 phase VRM. I suggest 2 core CPUs for best results on these. If you have 4 phase (count the chokes by the CPU) then Quads can produce good results.. Installing copper heatsinks on the MOSFETS and Chipset helps. Match CPU to MB bus speed.
X6800=1066fsb, QX6850=1333fsb.
Short single propeller fan GPUs can be installed, if 2 slot card cut the bracket in 1/2 and trim plastic cover as needed so air can go out back of case.GTX750Ti O/C works.
Moving fan power leads to PSU helps O/C a lot but throws fan failure error.
I use sleep mode instead of reboot for this problem.
Using these parts and methods I'm getting 3.72GHz for daily use on a QX6800SLACP. For video card compatability be sure about EUFI / Legacy BIOS match with your computer.